From Donor to Patient: The Power of Sharing Life and Inspiring Hispanics to Donate

During Hispanic Heritage Month, Alexis González’s story reminds the Latino community that a simple blood donation can become a lifesaving gift for someone in need. National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates our roots, culture and contributions, but it also provides an opportunity to highlight the power of a community coming together to help others.

This year, the American Red Cross is encouraging Latinos to consider blood donation as a meaningful way to share life.

Alexis González understands that impact from both sides. The daughter of Mexican parents, González was born in Los Angeles and raised in a bilingual Hispanic community.

As a communications manager for the American Red Cross, her work allows her to serve the community every day while raising awareness about the constant need for blood donors. She has also been a regular donor herself. Last year, however, she unexpectedly went from donor to patient.

After experiencing severe stomach pain, Alexis went to the emergency room. Doctors discovered three blood clots in veins connected to her liver, along with severe anemia. She urgently needed two units of blood.

“I had never been hospitalized. I felt overwhelmed and scared,” González recalled. At that moment, she experienced firsthand the message she had shared so many times with potential donors.

Before the transfusion, she was dizzy and extremely weak. After receiving blood, the color returned to her face and she began feeling stronger.

During her recovery, González also learned that the blood used for her treatment had been supplied by the American Red Cross.“I felt like I had come full circle,” she said. “The two units of blood I received came from two people who took the time to donate, and those donations saved my life.”

Her experience has now strengthened a message she wants to share particularly with the Latino community.

“Your blood is your superpower,” González said. “By donating blood, you have the power to share life with another person.”

Fully recovered, Alexis recently returned to the donor chair and reached an important personal milestone: her first gallon of donated blood.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, the Red Cross is also recognizing the more than 195,000 Latino individuals who donated blood last year, helping patients and strengthening communities across the country.

Those interested in donating blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visiting RedCrossBlood.org.

Alexis’ story carries a simple but powerful message: a donation may take only a small part of your day, but for someone who needs it, it can mean another chance at life.